Garbage can with removable bottom

ABSTRACT

A container or can for holding garbage in a removable bag with at least one strap attached to the back side of the can; at least one retaining means on the front side of the can for releasably holding the strap to the front side of the can; an open bottom and at least one wheel attached to the can to allow it to be moved and rotated above the opening to release the bag. A bottom may cover the bottom of the cylinder held by the same straps. Brackets may keep the straps in place and allow the straps and bag bottom to be held above the ground. A retaining strap may hold a garbage bag within the container and at the top of the container.

PRIORITY

[0001] This patent is a Continuation In Part patent of Provisional Patent Serial No. 60/216,756 filed Jul. 07, 2000, and Provisional Patent Serial No. 60/226,641 filed Aug. 21, 2000 and Utility Patent Serial No. 09/900,284 filed Jul. 06, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] The invention relates to garbage cans. More particularly, the invention relates to garbage cans with removable bottoms. More particularly, the invention relates to garbage cans for the collection of leaves, yard debris and the like.

[0004] 2. Prior Art

[0005] Different garbage cans, leaf collectors, various devices to receive leaves, clothes hampers and linen hampers are known in the prior art.

GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention disclosed herein is a garbage can with a removable bottom. The round smooth walled cylinder of the garbage can is made of lightweight plastic or fiberglass with no top or bottom, for trash, leaf and lawn debris. Other embodiments may be square shaped.

[0007] The invention's open cylinder body may come in a variety of different sizes. This allows the unit to accommodate different size lawns, trash or linen bags. In the preferred embodiment the invention comes in two sizes. One is approximately 55 gallons in size, approximately 36″ in height and approximately 24″ in diameter. It holds a 55 gallon plastic yard or linen bag. The other one is approximately 35 gallon in size, approximately 28″ in height and approximately 20″ in diameter. It holds a 35 gallon plastic yard or linen bag.

[0008] The open bottom of the cylinder's body may have a slightly larger diameter than the cylinder's body's open top diameter. They may have a gradual incline from top to bottom to allow one unit to fit over another unit. This allows for consolidation of the units during manufacturing, shipping and storage. This also reduces the amount of display space required for each unit. It also allows loads to be held or discharged through the bottom without complete closures.

[0009] The bottom of the invention may be as simple as straps of webbing or crossing straps of webbing. If cross straps are used, they should be sufficiently thick and wide enough so that they can support the weight of the contents in the cylinder with the assistance of the slightly reduced bottom diameter where appropriate. Particularly, if a bag is used, the weight of the contents against the bottom should not tear the bag. A reduced bottom can also aid in holding the bag within the cylinder until removal is desired.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment, adjacent to the bottom, the can cylinder has two webbing cross straps, approximately 2″ in width and approximately 40″ in length, each permanently attached at one end to its wheel side or back side of its body by adhesive or molded into the cylinder body. In another embodiment, one webbing cross strap is attached to the right side and one is attached to the left side of the invention's back side so they cross when attached.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment the opposite side or front side of the can's body are two patches of one half of cooperating hook and loop fasteners to work with the other half on the straps. These are approximately 3″ in width and approximately 10″ in length. They are mounted permanently with adhesive or molded into the cylinder's body and cooperate with the interlocking hooks on the two webbing cross straps. These patches are located on the left and right lower portion of the invention's front side preferably opposite the other aligning brackets. When the hooks of the cooperating hook and loop fasteners on the two webbing cross straps are interlocked with these patches of loops on the front side, they support the bottom of a plastic yard or linen bag and its contents during the filling and moving of the bag.

[0012] In one embodiment, a left and right side may be arbitrarily assigned and on the cylinder's body's left and right side is a patch of loop fasteners, approximately 3″ in width and approximately 10″ in length. They are mounted permanently with adhesive or molded into its body and cooperate with the Velcro hooks on the two webbing cross straps. These patches are located on the upper back portion of the invention's left and right sides. When the hooks of the hook and loop fasteners on the two webbing cross straps are interlocked with the loops on these two patches of loop fasteners, the webbing cross straps are held out of the way when emptying the invention.

[0013] Exhaust or vent holes are provided in the sides of the cylinder's body to allow the garbage bag to expand outward when being filled and to prevent suction from holding the bag when the bag is removed. These holes are small smooth molded or drilled ventilation holes, approximately ½″ in diameter. These holes prevent a vacuum from forming and holding the bags within the cylinder.

[0014] There is an elastic ring or strap, approximately 22″ in diameter that goes around the cylinder's top, preferably between a molded top lip and a molded bottom lip. These lips keep the strap in place. This elastic ring holds a garbage bag in an open position by securing the periphery to the outer circumference of the cylinder top and ensures that the bag does not fall out or slip down when filling the bag and moving the can.

[0015] The top and bottom lips preferably do not run around the entire cylinder's circumference. This partial opening of the lips allows easy access to the elastic ring by exposing it in the gaps to the user's hands.

[0016] The invention preferably has handles in order to allow it to be tilted, moved or lifted. These handles may be attached or formed into the cylinder's molded body. Preferably, one handle is on the wheel side or the back side of the cylinder and the other on the opposite or front side. At least one second set of handles, closer to the bottom ease lifting the cylinder over the bag.

[0017] The invention has two wheels, approximately 6″ in diameter, so that it may be rolled around to collect leaves or yard debris. These wheels may be attached to the cylinder in several different ways. The wheels are preferably attached in such a way to allow the webbing cross straps to be undone, as by releasing Velcro-fastening tape hooks on the webbing cross straps from the patches of Velcro-fastening tape loops on its front side, which allows the cylinder to be tilted over the wheels, rolled and emptied or lifted up to release what is contained in the body cylinder.

[0018] Lids may cover the open top of the cylinder's body.

[0019] For safety to its user, all manufactured edges of the invention should be smooth dull to protect its user from abrasions. This also prevents cuts to the plastic bags.

[0020] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the webbing cross straps are not supplemented with a removable base. The webbing cross straps can also be supplemented with hinged plates held in place in a closed position by the webbing cross straps.

[0021] Elastic straps and retaining holes may be used in place of or supplement the hook and loop fasteners. The webbing cross straps can be supplemented with a removable base which may be a cylinder fitting over the circumference of the bottom or which slides in or out of grooves in the bottom. A removable net or hinged forks may also be used.

[0022] The removable base or straps may be a separate color from the body to make it easily visible so it is not accidentally filled without a base.

[0023] To allow a single user to lift the cylinder, poles may extend over the cylinder. A pulley system attached to the poles may pull upward to lift it.

[0024] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide for a plastic garbage, yard or clothing bag to be held open, moved about and removed, confine its contents.

[0025] Another purpose of the invention is to provide a safe, convenient and easy way to place garbage, leaves, yard debris, soiled clothing or the like in a portable, top loading, bottom unloading can.

[0026] It is another purpose to provide the convenience of easy removal of contents from the bottom of a garbage can.

[0027] Another purpose is to eliminate the need for the user to lift heavy bags of leaves, yard debris or soiled clothing and linens.

[0028] Another purpose is to provide a gathering can which requires only one person to use. It is a further purpose to provide a can which can tilt and roll up from a discharged load.

[0029] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become better understood hereinafter from a consideration of the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings forming part thereof, and in which like numerals correspond to parts throughout the several views of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:

[0031]FIG. 1 shows the invention's left side view of the preferred embodiment.

[0032]FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the rear view of the wheel or back side of the embodiment from FIG. 1 with the loader removed.

[0033]FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment from FIG. 2 cut away in the middle with a filled plastic garbage in place.

[0034]FIG. 4 shows an alternate square shaped embodiment right side view.

[0035]FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment having secondary strap securing locations to hold the strap out of the way.

[0036]FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment having a hinged base.

[0037]FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment having clips and hooks to secure the base to the can.

[0038]FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment having a base which slides on rails in contact with the base of the can.

[0039]FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment having a bag retaining strap held between lips at the top of the cylinder.

[0040]FIG. 10 shows an alternate embodiment having a hinged side.

[0041]FIG. 11 shows an alternate embodiment having a net for a base.

[0042]FIG. 12 shows an alternate embodiment having clips and hooks to secure the bag within the cylinder.

[0043]FIG. 13 shows a pulley lifting system used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in FIG. 14.

[0044]FIG. 14 shows an alternate embodiment having multiple handles and interior surface ridges.

[0045]FIG. 15 shows an alternate embodiment having a top support surface.

[0046]FIG. 16 shows an alternate embodiment with bottom guide brackets for the straps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0047] As best be seen by reference to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment comprises an open can 1, which is cylindrical in design. The can may be square as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8 and 12. It has an open top 3 and an open bottom 4. The side where wheels are mounted is called the wheel side or back 5 of the invention. Opposite from the back 5 is the front side 6. Looking at the invention from its back 5, it has a right side 7 and a left side 8. These sides, for a round can, could be defined by degrees.

[0048] The can has two webbing cross straps 9 mounted permanently or removably on its back 5. These webbing cross straps 9 may be replaced with elastic cross straps 42 as shown on FIG. 4. Preferably these are on the back 5 and are mounted permanently at the back by adhesive or molded onto the body's back 5, as shown in FIG. 4. The loose ends 10 of the cross straps 9 have interlocking hooks 11. On the cylinder's front 6, the cylinder has two patches of interlocking loops 12 which cooperate to make a releasable connection with the hooks 11 on the cross strap 9 loose ends 10 to allow filling and moving the can with a plastic garbage or yard bag 22 in place. At this time, the open bottom 4 is partially enclosed by the cross straps 9 running underneath the open bottom 4 and supporting the bag 22.

[0049] A plastic weld 65 is the attachment means which holds the fixed end of strap 9 to the can 1 as shown on the transparent view in FIG. 16. On the free end of each of the webbing cross straps, is one part of a strip of fastening tape of interlocking hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO), approximately 2″ in width and approximately 10″ in length, sewn or attached by adhesive to the webbing cross straps. The other side of the cooperating hook and loop fastener is attached to the can opposite the point of permanent attachment here loops 12. These hooks and loops may be replaced with another fastener, such as a buckle. The bottom 4 may define aligning brackets 18 through which the straps pass to keep them from slipping on along opposite sides (or at least one side) of the perimeter 21. This can also keep the straps and bag off the ground so wear and drag is reduced.

[0050] The webbing cross straps 9 may be replaced with rubber elastic straps 42 and the hooks 11 replaced with locking devices 43 located on the free ends 10 of the rubber elastic cross straps 42, as shown in FIG. 4. These elastic rubber cross straps 42 may also have finger tabs 44 located on their free ends 10, as shown in FIG. 4. If the cross straps 9 are replaced with elastic rubber straps 42, the patches 12 of loops can be replaced with molded notched locking device receivers 45. These receivers 45 (here a unshaped receiver) will cooperate with the locking device 43 (here a ball of rubber or hook which fits within the receiver 45) on the free ends 10 of the rubber elastic cross straps 42. A filled bag 22 can be seen in FIG. 3 showing a clear view of the interior.

[0051]FIG. 2 shows another patch of loops 12 of Velcro type interlocking loops 13 are attached to the open can 1 on the right side 7 and the left side 8. These loops 13 cooperate with the hooks 11 on the cross straps 9, to hold the cross straps 9 out of the way during removal of the plastic bag 22.

[0052] The open can 1 defines small vent holes 14. These holes 14 allow air to be pushed from the can's interior as the bag 22 is filled and allow air to return as the bag is removed. These holes 14 are shown in a straight line but may be located in various locations in various patterns. These holes 14 may not be shown on all embodiments but their placement and use are intended where applicable.

[0053] Channels 99 formed between raise notches 100, as shown in FIG. 14, may aid or replace the holes 14 in allowing air to pass through the interior of the cylinder body.

[0054] An elastic retaining strap 15 is placed near the open top 3. This retaining strap 15 helps hold a plastic bag 22 in place. The retaining strap 15 itself is held in place by a top lip 16 and a bottom lip 17. The retaining strap 15 may have finger tabs 18 for gripping to allow easy access and control of the strap 15 during its placement or removal. The retaining strap 15 and lips 16 and 17 are shown in FIG. 14.

[0055] To accommodate lifting, tilting and moving the invention, handles 19 are attached to the body 1 by molded plastic handle supports or retainers 20 at its open top. As shown on FIG. 14, at least one lower set of handles 101 may be used to aid the user in lifting the can off the bag when the straps 9 are released. This second set of handles 101 may be molded close to the side of the container so that they do not interfere with stacking. They may be designed to pivot out in use to be easier to grip.

[0056] Other handles may be used on the invention. Handles may be as simple as smooth cut slot handles 98 shown in FIG. 16 or rope handles 37, as shown in FIG. 7. These handles 37 are used with rope attached to the body 1 with knots larger than the holes 97 tied on the rope's ends within the body's interior 36. These rope handles 37 may also run through pieces of PVC pipe 38 to ease hand strain, as shown in FIG. 8. Hook handles 39 may be used on the body 1, as shown in FIG. 7, so that the loops or rings 32 may attach to lift the can, as shown in FIG. 7. The main improvement taught are a set of handles above the midline and another set below the midline. Handles may provide a location to attach a lifting ring 32 as a part of the handle.

[0057]FIG. 2 shows the invention's wheel side or back 5. The invention's wheels 29 roll on an axle 24. The axle 24 may have locking caps 26 to hold the wheels 29 in place. Washers 25 and cotter pins 27 may also be used to hold the wheels in place, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. The axle 24 is held to the body 1 by axle brackets 28 which are preferably a molded part of the can. As shown in FIG. 5, the axle 24 may be replaced by snap on wheels 29 held to the body 1 by wheel retainers 34.

[0058] The wheels 29 may be held in place on the body 1 by wheel brackets 35, as shown in FIG. 6. These brackets extend a length from the bottom of the can to add leverage in addition to the leverage inherent in the wheels to allow the can to be rotated up to assist a loaded bag in dropping out of the open bottom 4 and moving the raised can away from the deposited load.

[0059] These features of the invention allow a single user to make the inter-locking connections between the hooks 11 on the free ends 10 of the webbing cross straps 9 and the patches of loops 12 on the can's front side 6. The user may then insert a bag 22, into the interior of the body 1 of the invention, fold the top of bag 22 over the open top 3 and apply the elastic retaining strap 15 over the bag and between the top lip 16 and the bottom lip 17 holding bag 22 in place. The user then can move the body 1 from location to location and fill bag 22, for example from one pile of leaves to another.

[0060] When the bag 22 is full, the user removes the elastic ring 15 from the body 1. The method of bag closure is left up to the user, such as tying the bag 22 closed or the use of twist ties or pull strings. Then, the user releases the connection of the hooks 11 on the two cross straps 9 from the two patches of loops 12 located on the body's front side 6. The user then makes the connection between the hooks 11 on the two cross straps 9 and the two patches of loops 13 located on the body's 1 right side 7 and its left side 8.

[0061] The user can then lift the body by tilting over the wheels and wheel brackets and roll the body 1 using the handle 19 on its wheel side 5. Some lifting using both handles 19 (or the second lower handles 101) may be helpful. In this way, the user can empty the body 1 of its contents at a desired location, such as, at the curb for trash pick up.

[0062] On alternate embodiments, it may be desired to have lids to cover the body's open top 3. These tops may be round 40 in design, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, or square lids 41, as shown in FIG. 8, depending on the design of the body they are intended to fit and cover.

[0063]FIG. 5 shows a back view of a round body 1. It has vent holes 14, and wheels 29. A removable bottom cover, base 46, is held in place by the cross straps 9. The removable base 46 may define a notch 96, as shown in FIG. 14, to define a notch 96 to accommodate the wheel brackets 35. The removable base inside diameter in this embodiment is slightly larger than the body 1 outside diameter so that the body 1 will fit into the removable base 46. The body may also come in a square design. The removable base 46 may also be square in design to fit a square body.

[0064]FIG. 1 shows a base 46 slightly smaller than the open bottom 4 and extensions 104 above the bottom 4 keep the base 46 from going too far into the can. Strap buckles 105 defines slots 106 through which straps 9 may pass to hold and align the base 46.

[0065]FIG. 6 shows handles 19, folding flush with the sides. Vent holes 14 and wheels 29 on brackets are shown. The cross straps 9 are supplemented with two bottom plates 47 that are held by hinges 48 on the back side 5 and front side 6. These plates 47 are allowed to swing open when the two cross straps 9 are released.

[0066]FIG. 7 shows handles 19, vent holes 14, a retaining strap 15 and retaining lips 16 & 17. The webbing cross straps 9 are replaced with flat bottom plate 49 held to the body by short elastic straps 51 with a locking device 43 with finger tabs 44 attached to the bottom plate 49. The locking devices 43 will fit into notched locking device receivers 45 molded onto the body 1. The user is able to empty the contents of the body 1 by releasing the rubber locking devices 43 from their receivers 45 by the use of the finger tabs 44 and swinging the hinged bottom plate 49 out of the way.

[0067]FIG. 8 shows the webbing cross straps 9 replaced with a slide out plate 54 which is held in place by molded or metal slotted guides 55 in the body's lower interior. The user is able to empty the contents of the body by pulling the slide plate 54 from its guides 55. The wheels or brackets to hold the wheels would attach to the back to allow the can to lift upward from the front where the plate 54 is pulled out.

[0068]FIG. 9 shows vent holes 14, strap 15 and retaining lips 16 & 17. A removable base 46 is also shown. The removable base has an inside diameter slightly larger than the can's outside diameter so that the can 1 will fit into the removable base 46. The removable base 46 may also be square in design to fit a square can 2. The user is able to empty to the contents of the can 1 by lifting the can 1 straight up, above and out of the attaching cylinder 46 and the body's contents such as a full plastic garbage bag 22. This embodiment would be very useful in areas such as lunch rooms, break rooms, etc. where large volumes of heavy garbage are accumulated. The user is only responsible for lifting the body 1 rather than lifting the heavy contents.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a square can is shown with the retaining strap 15 removed and retaining lips 16 & 17 both on the can 1 and on door 57, held in place by a hinge 58 and kept in a closed position by a door strap with cooperating hooks and attached to the door and passing underneath the center to a patch of loops (not shown on the opposite side 67) and by the retaining strap is which is not shown in this view. The user is able to empty the contents of the body 1 by releasing the strap 15 (not shown) and the straps 9. The door may run all the way to the bottom to fully open the can on a side and the bottom. The door may be opposite the wheels so the open area is larger as the can is tilted upward.

[0070]FIG. 11 shows handles 19, vent holes 14, retaining ring 15 and retaining lips 16 & 17. The webbing cross straps 9 are replaced with a removable net 52 with holding loops 53 which is held in place to the body by molded “T” receivers 59 which the holding loops 53 fit over. The user is able to empty the contents of the body 1 by removing the holding loops 53 from the receivers 59 which releases the net 52 from the can 1.

[0071]FIG. 12 shows the webbing cross straps 9 replaced with two forks 60. The forks 60 are held in place by hinges 50 on the can's back side 5 and short elastic retaining straps 51 on the body's front side 6. These short elastic straps 51 have locking devices 43 and finger tabs 44 on their free ends 10. The can has notched locking device receivers 45 on its front side 6. The user is able to empty the contents of the body by releasing the locking devices 43 from their receivers 45 and moving the right hinged fork 60 to the body's right side 7 and moving the left hinged fork 60 to the body's left side 8.

[0072]FIG. 13 shows a lifting device which consists of pole framework 30, a cable 33 running through a pulley 31 at the top of the pole framework 30 to loops or rings 32 at one end which attach to downward shaped hooked handles 39, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0073]FIGS. 14 and 1 show strap buckles 105 defining slots 106 through which the straps 9 may pass in the base 46. These buckles 105 may also elevate the base 46 off the ground so air may pass in to holes 106 in the base. There is a gap 23 in the base 46 to accommodate the bracket 35.

[0074]FIG. 15 shows a support 109 running across the open top 3 of the can 1 to which clips 110 on rods 108 from a grass catcher 107 may be supported so that the opening 111 of the grass catcher 107 can be held over the open top 32 of the can 1 so the catcher 103 can be shaken empty into the body 1 without the user supporting the full weight of the grass catcher 107. This type of catcher is commonly used on lawn mowers to catch grass. The rods 108 and clips 110 serve to hold the grass catcher 107 in place against an opening in the side or rear of the mower (not shown).

[0075] Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment(s) herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted a illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A container for holding refuse within a bag defining a bag opening comprising: a) a container having a top and a bottom and defining an interior and exterior and further defining a top opening and a bottom opening, said bottom opening having an inside and an outside and a center and wherein the inside defines an inside perimeter and wherein the outside defines an outside perimeter; b) at least one strap having an attachment end and a loose end said attachment end attached to the container bottom and an attachment means for releasably holding the at least one strap loose end attached to the container bottom across the center from the attachment end.
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the at least one strap comprises a first strap and at least one second strap.
 3. The invention of claim 1 wherein the attachment means comprises cooperating hook and loop fastener having a first part and a cooperating second part and wherein the attachment means comprises the first part and the loose end comprises the second part.
 4. The invention of claim 3 wherein the attachment end is located at the back side.
 5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the bottom closing means comprises a solid plate having a top and a bottom an outside greater than the outside perimeter of the bottom opening and at least one upward extending wall running from the plate outside perimeter.
 6. The invention of claim 1 wherein the at least one strap is elastic.
 7. The invention of claim 2 wherein the at least one second strap attaches approximately at a right angle to the first strap
 8. The invention of claim 5 wherein the plate bottom comprises at least one buckle defining a opening so that the at least one strap may pass through the buckle.
 9. The invention of claim 1 wherein the container further comprises at least one wheel support bracket having a near end attached approximately at the bottom of the container and a far end extending away therefrom, at least one axle at the far end and further comprising at least one wheel having a diameter rotatably attached to the axle.
 10. The invention of claim 10 wherein the bracket extends past the container perimeter to provide a leverage arm for rotation of the container over the wheel.
 11. The invention of claim 1 wherein the container further comprises at least one first lip means between the top and bottom of the container, at least one elastic strap having a length approximately the same length as the top perimeter.
 12. The invention of claim 11 further comprising at least one second lip means between the at least one first lip means and the bottom of the container so that the elastic strap is secured between the at least one first lip means and at least one second lip means.
 13. The invention of claim 5 wherein the bottom defines at least one bracket opening extending from the bottom of the container towards the top of the container for receiving the at least one strap.
 14. The invention of claim 13 further comprising at least one second bracket opening approximately opposite the bottom opening from the at least one first bracket opening.
 15. The invention of claim 1 wherein the container defines a plurality of openings from the interior to the exterior.
 16. The invention of claim 1 wherein the container further comprises a plurality of ridges on the interior.
 17. The invention of claim 1 further comprising at least one first handle located approximately at the top of the cylinder.
 18. The invention of claim 17 further comprising at least one second handle located between the at least one first handle and the bottom of the container.
 19. The invention of claim 17 wherein the at least one first handle is located approximately opposite the container perimeter from the at least one wheel support bracket.
 20. The invention of claim 8 wherein the container further comprises a second attachment means for holding the at least one strap outside of the bottom opening. 